IND vs ENG: As India gears up for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, all eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah. The star pacer was seen charging in with full intensity during the team’s practice session on June 28, raising hopes of his inclusion in the playing XI.
While his performance in the nets has lifted fans’ spirits, uncertainty still looms large over whether he will be part of the crucial clash beginning July 2.
Bumrah’s presence during Friday’s practice, bowling at full throttle, was captured in a video shared by a Times of India journalist-footage that quickly gained traction on social media. The video has only added to the buzz, especially after reports suggested that the team management was considering resting the fast bowler to manage his workload for the remainder of the series.
Interestingly, Bumrah skipped active participation in training a day earlier, on June 27. Although he was present at the nets, he didn’t bowl, prompting speculation about his fitness or a possible strategic rest. Head coach Gautam Gambhir was also seen in deep conversation with fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep, possibly weighing up alternate bowling options.
Bumrah played a key role in the first Test at Lord’s, delivering 43.4 overs and picking up five wickets for 140 runs. However, he was unable to make an impact in the second innings, going wicketless as England chased down 370 runs-one of their highest successful targets in Test cricket history-to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Gambhir had earlier emphasized that Bumrah’s workload would be carefully managed throughout the tour, indicating that rotation could be on the cards. With India trailing the series, the decision to include or rest Bumrah will be a critical one.
As things stand, Bumrah’s fierce rhythm in the nets has ignited hope among fans, but the final call rests with the team management. Whether he takes the field in Birmingham or not, one thing is certain-his presence remains vital to India’s chances in the series.